‘Grateful for taking the leap’

In 2011, Lynn Meshke wasn’t sure if she would ever return to the workforce full-time. She was a stay-at-home mom who took on project-based communication work. 

Although she had a bachelor's degree in communications and a master’s degree in business management and organizational behavior, she realized that her graphic design skills were lacking. 

“Unfortunately, even though I have the soul of an artist, I can’t draw, paint, or sculpt. But, thanks to NWTC, I found an artistic medium that worked for me – graphic design,” Meshke said. 

She started taking a couple of classes a year in NWTC’s Design and Graphic Technology program. In 2015, she graduated from the program with an associate degree and a newfound passion. 

NWTC graduate to business owner 

During her time at NWTC, Meshke practiced her graphic design and communication skills by volunteering for nonprofits. Working with these nonprofits inspired her to start her own one-woman business, Lynn Meshke Communications, LLC, within eighteen months after graduating from NWTC. 

Meshke offers a variety of communication services for small businesses, nonprofits, political candidates, and grassroots groups such as copywriting, graphic design, and strategy.

As a business owner, she is in control of everything – something that Meshke says is the hardest and best part about owning a business. She doesn’t have the option to delegate tasks – every challenge is hers to tackle. However, she enjoys choosing her clients and building deep, collaborative relationships with them. 

“Every day, I’m grateful to blend my love of words and design to help businesses thrive, champion great causes, and spark meaningful change in our community,” Meshke shared. 

Navigating college as a returning adult 

When Meshke started at NWTC in 2011, she was a returning adult student. She found herself feeling a little behind as her peers had more computer skills than she did, and some students had taken design classes in high school. But she didn’t let that stop her. 

“She stood out immediately for her determination, maturity, and professionalism,” said John Reinders, Meshke’s former instructor and current associate dean of NWTC’s College of Business. “Meshke approached her education with a clear sense of purpose and a deep commitment to learning. She consistently demonstrated initiative, sought out feedback, and contributed meaningfully to class discussions and group projects.” 

Meshke connected with a tutor through Academic Coaching and Tutoring, and they worked together for an hour each week during Meshke’s first three semesters. 

With every class, Meshke gained practical skills in design, production, and client presentation, helping her build on her confidence and creativity as a graphic designer. She enjoyed being able to work on various projects from concept to completion. 

“I was at least a decade older than every other student in my classes and it was intimidating, but I am grateful every day that I took the leap,” Meshke said. 

Three attendees of the 2014 Pink Pumpkin Walk wearing t-shirts designed by Lynn Meshke (not pictured). As part of a class project, she and her classmates created logo designs and presented them to the event's organizing committee – Meshke's design was selected as the winner.

Hands-on learning with real-world results

Meshke thrived in the program’s project-based approach – an approach that mirrors real-world expectations. “The Design and Graphic Technology program at NWTC is grounded in hands-on training,” Reinders said. “Students are exposed to industry-standard software, taught by instructors with professional experience, and encouraged to build a strong portfolio that showcases both their technical abilities and creative thinking.” 

That real-world preparation made all the difference for Meshke. “I value each of the degrees I have earned,” she said. “But I can say, without reservation, my NWTC graphic design degree is the one that best prepared me to hit the ground running after graduation.” 

Q & A with Lynn Meshke

Learn more about Meshke and her advice for entrepreneurs like herself in this Q & A. 

What goals do you have for your business and for yourself professionally?

My goal – personally and professionally – is to keep learning, growing and pushing my limits. Embracing new challenges fuels my creativity and keeps my work fresh and interesting. 

What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs considering going back to school to build their skills?

Be brave and go for it! Times change, skills get stale, new opportunities present themselves – a smart entrepreneur evolves with the world around them and learns new skills so that they are ready when those opportunities do present themselves. 

Anything else you’d like to add?

NWTC is an underappreciated gem in our community. It is affordable, accessible, accommodating and, if you put in the work, you can graduate in fairly short order with an employable, profitable skill set upon which to build a successful professional life.